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Interview With Archbishop Cordes, “Cor Unum” President
ROME, JULY 21, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop Paul Cordes, a longtime friend of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, is convinced the new Pope is “God’s response” to the spread of secularism.
In this interview with ZENIT, the 70-year-old president of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” who oversees the coordination of the Church’s charity institutions, describes some of Joseph Ratzinger’s essential features.
Q: According to some observers, John Paul II was for communism what Benedict XVI will be for moral and religious relativism. In your opinion, to what degree is this affirmation valid?
Archbishop Cordes: In his appointments, God undoubtedly has in mind the biographical experience and specific capacities of his messengers.
In his youth and as bishop of Krakow, the deceased Pope had lived the painful experience of communism. And for this reason he fought energetically against the regime’s atheist forces. …
As Bishop of Rome, he never ceased to struggle before kings and presidents on behalf of freedom and people’s dignity. Unfortunately, his ardent desire to visit Russia and China was not heard.
As a professor of theology, Pope Benedict XVI has always transmitted the truth of the faith and Tradition in a clear and comprehensible way. He formed future priests and catechists in the university. He tried to identify and spread in the intellectual world the arguments for an understanding of Revelation.
As prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he helped John Paul II in his work of formulating theological directives for the people of God; suffice it to think of the writing of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
It is obvious, therefore, that as Pope he will not be resigned in the face of moral and religious relativism. . . .
**Q: A journalist has said that John Paul II filled the squares, while Benedict XVI will fill the churches. Given the enthusiasm that has arisen in these first months, it seems that Benedict XVI will fill the squares and the churches. What do you think?
Q: Another significant element is the novelty, after almost 1,000 years, of a German Pope. It is even more significant that it takes place after the fall of the Berlin Wall. St. Benedict saved civilization from the ruin of the Roman Empire; Benedict XVI has been given the task to revive the Judeo-Christian tradition in Europe and the West in the face of moral and religious decadence. Germany is a decisive nation for the future of Europe and, in this connection, a German Pope seems to be providential. What do you think?
Q: Many observers have described Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as a severe guardian of orthodoxy. Could you, who have had the possibility to know the Pontiff, describe the one who has portrayed himself as “a simple and humble laborer in the Lord’s vineyard”?**
Full interview
ROME, JULY 21, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop Paul Cordes, a longtime friend of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, is convinced the new Pope is “God’s response” to the spread of secularism.
In this interview with ZENIT, the 70-year-old president of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” who oversees the coordination of the Church’s charity institutions, describes some of Joseph Ratzinger’s essential features.
Q: According to some observers, John Paul II was for communism what Benedict XVI will be for moral and religious relativism. In your opinion, to what degree is this affirmation valid?
Archbishop Cordes: In his appointments, God undoubtedly has in mind the biographical experience and specific capacities of his messengers.
In his youth and as bishop of Krakow, the deceased Pope had lived the painful experience of communism. And for this reason he fought energetically against the regime’s atheist forces. …
As Bishop of Rome, he never ceased to struggle before kings and presidents on behalf of freedom and people’s dignity. Unfortunately, his ardent desire to visit Russia and China was not heard.
As a professor of theology, Pope Benedict XVI has always transmitted the truth of the faith and Tradition in a clear and comprehensible way. He formed future priests and catechists in the university. He tried to identify and spread in the intellectual world the arguments for an understanding of Revelation.
As prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he helped John Paul II in his work of formulating theological directives for the people of God; suffice it to think of the writing of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
It is obvious, therefore, that as Pope he will not be resigned in the face of moral and religious relativism. . . .
**Q: A journalist has said that John Paul II filled the squares, while Benedict XVI will fill the churches. Given the enthusiasm that has arisen in these first months, it seems that Benedict XVI will fill the squares and the churches. What do you think?
Q: Another significant element is the novelty, after almost 1,000 years, of a German Pope. It is even more significant that it takes place after the fall of the Berlin Wall. St. Benedict saved civilization from the ruin of the Roman Empire; Benedict XVI has been given the task to revive the Judeo-Christian tradition in Europe and the West in the face of moral and religious decadence. Germany is a decisive nation for the future of Europe and, in this connection, a German Pope seems to be providential. What do you think?
Q: Many observers have described Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as a severe guardian of orthodoxy. Could you, who have had the possibility to know the Pontiff, describe the one who has portrayed himself as “a simple and humble laborer in the Lord’s vineyard”?**
Full interview